ALAN PARDEW has conceded his Reading players need to be better prepared tactically ahead of their pre-season friendly with Southampton tonight (kick-off 8pm).

While Pardew's men are up to speed in their fitness work, Royals' boss admits there is plenty to do on the strategic side before the trip to Ipswich Town's Portman Road on the opening day of the season tomorrow week.

Reading have taken on sides of varying standard in their friendlies so far and the visit of Premiership Saints will be their final chance to test themselves.

Marc Edworthy, released by Wolves in the close season, will play a part and could be unveiled as Royals' new signing before the kick-off.

The defender impressed while on trial in Wednesday night's 3-1 win over Didcot.

As he prepared for tonight, Pardew said: "It's our last game but we are not up to speed tactically.

"We are not on it yet for a variety of reasons. We have picked up a few injuries, like the one to Steve Brown, and that has disrupted us.

"I have also been looking for a striker and have not been able to work on the side as much as I'd have liked. But we have eight days to get things

right and fitness-wise we are bang up to speed."

Royals will again be without Brown and Ricky Newman, who both have knee injuries, but midfielder Andy Hughes will almost certainly get a run-out against Saints.

Newman has been unable to train because of an infection and although Brown took part in yesterday's session, his right knee is still giving him pain and he will not be risked tonight.

However, Brown is hoping to be fit for the season's curtain-raiser at Portman Road.

The central defender said: "I trained yesterday but it was very uncomfortable and we have decided there's just no point in risking it on a friendly game.

"This will give me a couple more days rest and then hopefully I can train and be ready for the Ipswich match.

"But it's up to the manager if I play as I have not featured in the last couple of games."

Newman is the third Royals player to be struck down with a knee infection in the last year as Adie Williams and Nicky Forster suffered with the same problem last season.

He was in hospital today to have the fluid drained.

Newman said: "I have an infection and I don't know how it happened. I'm just glad it's nothing serious."

Royals are also sending a side to Ryman League club Walton and Hersham for a friendly tomorrow (3pm).

M ACADEMY midfielder Ryan Catney has been called into Northern Ireland's Under-17s squad to play Norway later this month.

Keeper Jamie Young is on standby for England Under-19s' clash with Poland on August 21.